by halves

phrase

: in part : half-heartedly

She never does things by halves.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of by halves was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

by half

by halves

by hand

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Cite this Entry

Style

“By halves.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20halves. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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